Shield 9mm can't lock slide back without a magazine in, normal?
- Thread starter Starr91
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Mcwsky09
Member
Yes it certainly should be able to be locked open without a magazine inserted - if it is brand new then the last 1/4" or so may be very tight.
If it locks open with a magazine in that would indicate that there isn't anything wrong with the slide stop or the recoiled spring binding etc.
If it locks open with a magazine in that would indicate that there isn't anything wrong with the slide stop or the recoiled spring binding etc.
sawlog
Member
should just pull back slide and push up on slide release when you have it all the way back. the shield is pretty tight at first
Not doing nothing wrong, just gotta remember to push up on the slide lock. When I bought mine I couldn't lock it back until I had cleaned it out cos the spring was so tight, after the initial cleaning not a problem to push the slide lock up.
Probably a dumb question, but are you pushing up on the slide lock lever? The magazine will push it up when empty. With a mag out you have to push it up.
Not really a stupid question but I am doing that. The first time I tried I didn't realize that and didn't, but still can't do it either way.
Got it! Human error, I guess? Now it slides back no problem. Had it less than a week, maybe just needed to be broken in more.
Try putting in a mag then racking it back, the putting a little bit of lube on the exposed spring rail and rack it a few times and then take the mag out and see if you can do it then.
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Dgunnut
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I also have a new shield and am finding it difficult to lock the slide back without the mag. Really has been a struggle when reassembling after field stripping. And yes I am pushing the slide release up.
Dgunnut
The springs are a real bear to start with, and for me remain a challenge (arthritis issues) after nearly 3k rounds. But I sorted out a way to rack it that follows what they tell the ladies to do. Hold the slide firmly with your support hand, and use the strong hand to force the frame forward. Works for me.
hokiefyd
Member
The Shields really do loosen up after a few hundred rounds and an equal amount of working with it at home (continually racking the slide on an empty gun, etc). I leave my slide racked open over night every now and then and that seems to help as well.
Jayhawkokie
Member
Mine was tight too, I sprayed around it with some Rem Oil and worked it up and down and this helped some, then wiped away any excess oil before putting the slide back on. It is getting easier to move the more I use it.
NCW Ray
Member
Now that you've found out that it will lock back, rack the slide vigorously back and fourth without a magazine or pushing up on the slide stop numerous times...it might help loosen up the spring.
ckcc
Member
I was having this same problem with mine. I finally noticed that if I pulled upward on the slide as i pushed it back it would easily go back far enough to engage the slide stop. Im not sure what yet but it seems the slide is catching on something inside near the rear of travel. an empty or full mag puts upward pressure on the slide so maybe thats why it works better.
Dgunnut
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Mountain Walker
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Same issue here, finally loosened up after firing 200 rounds. But didn't loosen up much, will just use the mag after cleaning to reassemble pistol. S&W gets an F on this feature!
Pull back and push forward
Easily done! I push forward with my strong hand and pull back with my weak hand at the same time.....makes raking a breeze.
Easily done! I push forward with my strong hand and pull back with my weak hand at the same time.....makes raking a breeze.
ca survivor
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on the smith the lock is father forward than the tab, confusing some times.
The Shield is a small gun which necessarily has a relatively strong recoil springs The slide is short and locks back when it is very close to the slide's maximum rearward travel (and recoil spring resistance).
With big guns, it is not a big deal to rack the slide and then allow the slide to creep forward a bit while pushing up on the slide lock. With the Shield and other small guns, you have to hold the slide essentially fully to the rear to engage the slide lock.
With big guns, it is not a big deal to rack the slide and then allow the slide to creep forward a bit while pushing up on the slide lock. With the Shield and other small guns, you have to hold the slide essentially fully to the rear to engage the slide lock.
Mountain Walker
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I think I have a defective recoil spring assembly. When racking the slide, it stops short of all the way back. It is a solid stop, which makes me think that recoil spring assembly disc is catching on the front of the channel it tracks in. I get around this being extremely forceful when racking the slide so that the disc goes past the obstruction. Another workaround to this problem is to place the front corner of the slide on the edge of my workbench and push the handle down forcefully. This will go past the obstruction so that you can lock the slide back. Unfortunately, occasionally the slide may slip off the edge and launch the slide into the concrete floor.
